WITCH HAZEL WATER: Hamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana water

Properties

Hamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana watere

This plant native to North America has been used for several centuries by doctors and shamans for its anti-hemorrhagic and anti-inflammatory properties. In herbal medicine or aromatherapy, the many benefits of Witch Hazel have long been recognized, even in the scientific sphere.

The tannins and vitamin P contained in the plant give it its venous tonic and vessel-protecting properties. Vitamin P is not synthesized by our body; it must come from our diet to be present in our body. However, using Witch Hazel hydrosol directly on the skin allows it to penetrate the cells of the epidermis and thus have a local, direct action there.

Vitamin P is actually a bioflavonoid. These flavonoids are naturally present in the fruits and vegetables of our diet (they are notably responsible for their color). They are found in the plant kingdom in different families depending on their molecular structures and roles. They also have other known properties in addition to circulatory ones, such as strengthening capillary resistance, primary antioxidant activity (by stabilizing oxygenated molecules and thus protecting them from degradation into free radicals), inhibition of certain enzymes (which influences cell metabolism) and interaction with gene transcription factors (which influences the whole body's metabolism).

This astringent action on blood vessels is also found in the epidermis and therefore gives Witch Hazel hydrosol its skin-toning properties.

Hamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana waterHamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana water

How do you use it?

Hamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana waterHamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana water

Like the vast majority of hydrosols, Witch Hazel water can be used pure directly on the skin or hair.

Sprayed on the skin of the face, it serves as a toner and its astringent properties tighten the skin's pores. Spray directly on the skin or dampen a cotton pad to remove all traces of makeup remover, cleanser or particles that may remain on the face.

It is also an essential ally for rosacea or as a soothing aftershave lotion thanks to its toning and calming virtues. It is therefore perfect in a face lotion - such as the Patyka witch hazel water toning lotion.

Its anti-inflammatory and purifying properties also effectively help fight acne, especially if the hydrosol is combined with Tea Tree essential oil, as in the Infusion Blanche Facial Cleansing Gel - HUYGENS.

For the rest of the body, its venous tonic action effectively fights heavy legs with morning and evening application.

For the hair, it is a light, effective moisturizer. It combines wonderfully with a hazelnut-sized amount of Aloe Vera gel for a vitality blend for the lengths, styling and coating. Alone and used on the roots and scalp, Witch Hazel water also helps fight dandruff and soothe itching. It can also be integrated into hair product formulas, as in Huygens shampoos.

Hamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana waterHamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana water

From the plant to the Hydrosol

Hamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana water

Witch Hazel is a medium-sized shrub (between 3 and 6m) easily recognizable by the color and shape of its flowers. It grows naturally in the dry climates of America but has adapted very well to the European climate, where it was imported a few centuries ago.

It is in summer that the leaves used to create Witch Hazel hydrosol are harvested. This noble hydrosol, rich in active molecules, is the sole product of the plant's distillation. The leaves and young twigs are preferably harvested in summer and stored to dry. Once ready, this plant material is then placed in a still where distillation takes place by steam entrainment. See our article : essential oils and the different distillations. After a few hours of distillation, the Witch Hazel hydrosol can be collected and stored.

This noble water does not keep long without an added preservative system. For use in its purest state, it is therefore essential to keep it away from heat and light once extracted (in the refrigerator, for example).

Hamamelis virginiana waterHamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana waterHamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana water

Did you know?

Hamamelis virginiana water

Hamamelis virginiana water

Witch Hazel blooms in autumn, when all its leaves have fallen. Flowers with 4 long, bright yellow, crumpled-looking petals then appear. This particularity earned the plant the name “golden spider tree”.

In addition, its great resemblance to the hazel tree and the use of its twigs as dowsing rods also earned it the nickname “witch's hazel”.

“Witchhazel” in English.

The H. team